Our functional medicine Toronto patients are usually surprised to learn that AMPK could contribute to longevity and fighting inflammation. In fact, according to the journal Experimental & Molecular Medicine, a lack of this enzyme in the body could be a contributing factor in diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. AMPK stands for adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase, and it’s an enzyme required for metabolizing carbohydrates and fats. So how does it work? Our clinical practice, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, explains:
Additionally, it is linked to low fat production; this is because it already helps control your metabolism. However, when functions are lowered, body fat production can increase. So what’s the bottom line? Healthy weight loss and optimal health could result when you frequently activate AMPK. 6 Benefits of AMPK: The Functional Medicine ApproachActivating the enzyme for your wellness might encourage these beneficial effects:
How Do You Activate AMPK?If you want to activate this enzyme, consider these strategies: Get moving: “Exercise is perhaps the most powerful physiological activator and a unique model for studying its many physiological roles,” explains an article from Biochemical Journal. Reduce inflammation: Try relieving inflammation with the help of resveratrol supplement. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound in edible fruits (i.e. berries, pomegranates, grape skin, etc.). It contains beneficial biological functions due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, hypolipidemic, anti-platelet, and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol could also incite a hormone called adiponectin, which activates the enzyme. Watch your diet: Extreme amounts of carbohydrates could spike your insulin levels. This could trigger insulin resistance, which inevitably hinders activation. Use supplements: Healthcare providers that practice functional medicine could recommend supplements for activating AMPK. For instance, the flavonoid hesperidin has been shown to increase the activation. (Hesperidin could also help with inflammation, while helping manage blood pressure issues. Hesperidin has also shown to inhibit obesity, reduce high blood sugar and lipids, and reduce insulin resistance concerns.) Dosages are individualistic as they might depend on age and previous health issues. Can this enzyme support have the potential to help you achieve your longevity goals ? Our integrative and functional medicine healthcare providers could bring a personalized approach to your health. Transform your wellness today with clinical nutrition and functional medicine. Contact Us for Integrative and Functional Medicine SessionsAt the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we empower patients to take control of their health by understanding the scientific evidence behind their treatments. We also offer functional medicine testing and compassionate care for patients. Moreover, we encourage patients to build a comprehensive treatment plan alongside their functional medicine provider. In turn, this can empower people to reach optimal health for the long run. Our integrative care allows you to embrace your uniqueness and explore a wide variety of therapies. Allopathic treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, herbal medicine, IV therapy, and other modalities are available at our private practice. It’s time to experience a unique clinical experience! Functional medicine from our Toronto clinic is available for in-person and virtual sessions. New patients are welcome, including you! Please call (416) 968-6961 to learn about our consultation fees. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References: Burkewitz K, Zhang Y, Mair WB. AMPK at the nexus of energetics and aging. Cell Metab. 2014 Jul 1;20(1):10-25. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2014.03.002. Epub 2014 Apr 10. PMID: 24726383; PMCID: PMC4287273. Chapnik, N., Genzer, Y., Ben-Shimon, A., Niv, M. Y., & Froy, O. (2014). AMPK-derived peptides reduce blood glucose levels but lead to fat retention in the liver of obese mice, Journal of Endocrinology, 221(1), 89-99. Retrieved Aug 22, 2022, from https://ift.tt/HDtVGzy Coughlan KA, Valentine RJ, Ruderman NB, Saha AK. AMPK activation: a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes? Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2014 Jun 24;7:241-53. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S43731. PMID: 25018645; PMCID: PMC4075959. Entezari, Maliheh, et al. “AMPK signaling in diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and diabetic complications: A pre-clinical and clinical investigation.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 146 (2022): 112563. Harun-Or-Rashid, M., Inman, D.M. Reduced AMPK activation and increased HCAR activation drive anti-inflammatory response and neuroprotection in glaucoma. J Neuroinflammation 15, 313 (2018). https://ift.tt/xr9jn7u Henriksen BS, Curtis ME, Fillmore N, Cardon BR, Thomson DM, Hancock CR. The effects of chronic AMPK activation on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase activity with high fat feeding. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2013 May 31;5:29. doi: 10.1186/1758-5996-5-29. PMID: 23725555; PMCID: PMC3679947. Kim J, Yang G, Kim Y, Kim J, Ha J. AMPK activators: mechanisms of action and physiological activities. Exp Mol Med. 2016 Apr 1;48(4):e224. doi: 10.1038/emm.2016.16. PMID: 27034026; PMCID: PMC4855276. Kubota, Naoto & Yano, Wataru & Kubota, Tetsuya & Yamauchi, Toshimasa & Itoh, Shinsuke & Kumagai, Hiroki & Kozono, Hideki & Takamoto, Iseki & Okamoto, Shiki & Shiuchi, Tetsuya & Suzuki, Ryo & Satoh, Hidemi & Tsuchida, Atsushi & Moroi, Masao & Sugi, Kaoru & Noda, Tetsuo & Ebinuma, Hiroyuki & Ueta, Yoichi & Kondo, Tatsuya & Kadowaki, Takashi. (2007). Adiponectin Stimulates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in the Hypothalamus and Increases Food Intake. Cell metabolism. 6. 55-68. 10.1016/j.cmet.2007.06.003. Jeon SM. Regulation and function of AMPK in physiology and diseases. Exp Mol Med. 2016 Jul 15;48(7):e245. doi: 10.1038/emm.2016.81. PMID: 27416781; PMCID: PMC4973318. Marinangeli, Claudia et al. “AMPK in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications and Therapeutic Perspectives.” Current drug targets 17 8 (2016): 890-907 . Richter EA, Ruderman NB. AMPK and the biochemistry of exercise: implications for human health and disease. Biochem J. 2009 Mar 1;418(2):261-75. doi: 10.1042/BJ20082055. PMID: 19196246; PMCID: PMC2779044. Xiang, HC., Lin, LX., Hu, XF. et al. AMPK activation attenuates inflammatory pain through inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β expression. J Neuroinflammation 16, 34 (2019). https://ift.tt/8314qvG Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/
0 Comments
Toronto, Ontario -
The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) recently posted a blog post about Biotin supplements and IV Therapy for nutrient absorption, which is offered at their Toronto clinic. The post, titled “Understanding Biotin Supplements and IV Therapy From Our Toronto Clinic”, discusses the supplement Biotin, how the human body might use it, and how IV vitamin therapies, such as those offered by the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, can help support the body in achieving optimal health. Biotin, one of the B vitamins, is used in the biological processes of converting food into energy. Because the body can’t create Biotin on its own, it needs to be provided through dietary means, which can include supplementing intake if someone is struggling to get enough of the nutrient from their food. Some people reach for Biotin supplements because they want something that will strengthen their nails, or to prevent cracked and brittle nails. Others might use it in hope of supporting the health of their hair, as hair loss has been linked to a biotin deficiency. There are also suggestions that biotin could potentially be beneficial during pregnancy. Most people are able to obtain the biotin they need from nutritional sources, but some persons may still potentially benefit from increasing their biotin intake to support their health. There are many foods that are rich in biotin that can help people access the potential benefits of biotin though simple dietary changes. Foods such as eggs, salmon, nuts, seeds, avocados, oysters, milk and legumes are all dietary sources of the nutrient. However, it’s worth noting that raw egg whites, which contain the protein avidin, can prevent the absorption of biotin, so eating raw eggs could backfire if the goal is increasing biotin levels in the body. Biotin is also widely available as an oral supplement, or as a component in multivitamin pills. The blog post from Toronto Functional Medicine Centre reminds readers that oral supplements need to be absorbed during the digestive process, and many oral supplements are lacking in bioavailability, meaning how much of the supplement is absorbed by the body through the digestive system. Oral biotin supplements can also have unpleasant side effects, such as increased thirst or mild nausea. Multi-vitamins and minerals IV therapy with Biotin, and oral biotin support are also available, which are the forms offered by Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. Intravenous infusion therapy, also known as vitamin drip therapy or IV therapy, involves connecting a client’s arm to an IV drip, with an infusion containing key vitamins such as biotin or folic acid. The benefit of intravenous therapy is that nutrients are infused directly into the client’s bloodstream, bypassing the finicky digestive tract and allowing for complete absorption into the blood. Clinics like the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre can customize IV vitamin therapy treatments for their clients to help provide relief from the specific symptoms of nutrient deficiency affecting them. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre knows that everybody is different, and is prepared to offer IV treatments designed to support people struggling with a number of different conditions, including thyroid conditions, substance withdrawal, acute health issues, mental health issues, chronic illness, and more. The IV Lounge at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is currently accepting new clients who are interested in finding out what intravenous vitamin therapy may be able to do for them. The Centre is located on Cumberland street in Toronto, Ontario, and is open to anyone in the area who is interested in functional medicine or IV therapy. In addition to their IV lounge and personalized vitamin infusion therapies, the clinic also offers a number of integrative medicine treatments to those in the Toronto area, from acupuncture to brain and body exercise and hormonal support. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is equipped to provide allopathic and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, cold laser or shockwave therapy, and also provides lab testing services for those who need them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSitjnHQJHg Readers who are interested in learning more about the TFMC are encouraged to check out their website for more information. Those interested may also contact them at (416) 968-6961, or email at [email protected]. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/54339-toronto-functional-medicine-centre-provides-iv-therapy-with-biotin Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook In case you didn’t know, we offer IV therapy from our Toronto clinic. Our customized IV treatments contain beneficial ingredients, such as vitamin B12, high-dose vitamin C, folic acid, and amino acids. Now did you also know that alanine can be infused as part of your IV vitamin drips? Amino acids are necessary for the human body because they encourage tissue repair, break down food into energy, and help with making neurotransmitters, hormones and proteins. Out of all the amino acids that the body uses, alanine is that one amino acid primarily used for building proteins. In fact, alanine is an amino acid responsible for the following jobs in the body:
Also known as L-alanine, alanine is a non-essential amino acid. What this means is that your body can make alanine without having to consume it from food. Understanding low levels of alanine Because the body can create alanine on its own, having a low level in the body is infrequent. But a deficiency could form in the following:
![]() Symptoms of low alanine levels may include weakness, fatigue, muscle shrinkage, mood swings, low endurance, and unstable blood sugar levels. If you’re concerned that you’re lacking alanine, you can consider functional medicine treatments, as well as vitamin IV therapy combined with oral support. We explain these in the next section. How to increase your alanine levels If you’re struggling with your health condition, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre could address your health concern with integrative treatment plans. An initial consultation is mandatory to cover your personal health history. (This 30-45 minute consultation is a complete diagnostic consultation that would discuss genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, health goals, etc.). Then for alanine concerns, lab testing would be recommended to measure the amino acids in your body. After test results are analyzed, our functional medicine provider would discuss how to improve alanine levels. Personalized treatment plans could include:
![]() Alanine and other amino acids could contribute to optimal functioning. Are you ready to transform your health? Let’s give you a hand with our functional medicine therapies and intravenous drips. Getting personalized medicine and IV treatments from us Our functional medicine providers offer a personalized touch to therapies. This is because our integrative approach to health care considers each patient as a single entity. We encourage empowerment so that patients and functional medicine providers can work side-by-side in creating health goals. Offering Eastern and Western medicine, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is passionate about crafting personalized treatment plans. Our in-person and virtual consultations could help with addressing different conditions, such as: nutritional deficiencies/mineral deficiencies, adrenal fatigue, premature aging and age-related diseases, thyroid conditions, infertility, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and acute health issues. Are you wondering if alanine should be part of your amino acid drip? Could alanine help you reach optimal health as an adjunct support to oral supplementation? Vitamin IV therapy from our Toronto clinic could improve your overall wellness and energy levels. Contact us today about our functional medicine programs and vitamin drip treatments. Email us at [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References: Alabsi, K., Rashidlamir, A. & Dokht, E.H. The Effect of 4 Weeks of Strength Training and Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Anaerobic Power and Carnosine Level in Boxer Players. J. of SCI. IN SPORT AND EXERCISE (2022). https://ift.tt/5P9Ej4u “Alanine” from the University of Rochester Medical Center, viewed on August 17, 2022. “Alpha-alanine – Uses, Side Effects, and More” from WebMD, viewed on August 17, 2022. ARTIOLI, GUILHERME GIANNINI; GUALANO, BRUNO; SMITH, ABBIE; STOUT, JEFFREY; LANCHA, ANTONIO HERBERT JR. Role of β-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: June 2010 – Volume 42 – Issue 6 – p 1162-1173 doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c74e38 Boldyrev AA, Dudina EI, Dupin AM, Chasovnikova LV, Formaziuk VE, Sergienko VI, et al. [A comparison of the antioxidative activity of carnosine by using chemical and biological models]. Biull Eksp Biol Med. (1993) 115:607–9. doi: 10.1007/BF00791156 Brownson, C. “A possible new role for the anti-ageing peptide carnosine.” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS 57.5 (2000): 747-753. Dandare, SU, Ezeonwumelu, IJ, Shinkafi, TS, Magaji, UF, Adio, AA-I, Ahmad, K. L-alanine supplementation improves blood glucose level and biochemical indices in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J Food Biochem. 2021; 45:e13590. https://ift.tt/f3LxYRn Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012 Jul;43(1):25-37. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z. Epub 2012 Jan 24. PMID: 22270875; PMCID: PMC3374095. Lancha Junior, Antonio Herbert, et al. “Nutritional strategies to modulate intracellular and extracellular buffering capacity during high-intensity exercise.” Sports Medicine 45.1 (2015): 71-81. Lee DY, Kim EH. Therapeutic Effects of Amino Acids in Liver Diseases: Current Studies and Future Perspectives. J Cancer Prev. 2019 Jun;24(2):72-78. doi: 10.15430/JCP.2019.24.2.72. Epub 2019 Jun 30. PMID: 31360687; PMCID: PMC6619856. Petersen KF, Dufour S, Cline GW, Shulman GI. Regulation of hepatic mitochondrial oxidation by the glucose-alanine cycle during starvation in humans. J Clin Invest. 2019;129(11):4671–4675. J Cancer Prev. 2019 Jun; 24(2): 72–78. Ron-Harel N, Ghergurovich JM, Notarangelo G, LaFleur MW, Tsubosaka Y, Sharpe AH, Rabinowitz JD, Haigis MC. T Cell Activation Depends on Extracellular Alanine. Cell Rep. 2019 Sep 17;28(12):3011-3021.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.034. PMID: 31533027; PMCID: PMC6934407. Varanoske, Alyssa N., et al. “Comparison of sustained-release and rapid-release β-alanine formulations on changes in skeletal muscle carnosine and histidine content and isometric performance following a muscle-damaging protocol.” Amino Acids 51.1 (2019): 49-60. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Explains Why The Various Types of NAD Therapy Are Different8/18/2022
Toronto, Ontario -
Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has recently published a blog post that explains the differences between the different types of NAD therapy. This article examines how NAD+, NADH, and NAD are different from one another. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme that plays a central role in metabolism and in cellular functioning. It also plays a key role in optimizing brain function, cardiovascular health, cell health replenishment, muscle health, and immune function. NAD+ is an oxidized version of NAD, and it serves as a precursor to any chemicals that need NAD for chemical reactions. On the other hand, NADH stands for NAD + hydrogen and is the reduced form of NAD that is combined with oxygen. NADH is formed when the NAD+ molecules undertake hydrogen atoms. Together, NAD+ and NADH pass hydrogen atoms back and forth in a unique cycle of events. Thus, when NAD+ is introduced into a cell, hydrogen atoms are attracted to the NAD+, which is then converted into NADH. And when the NADH loses the hydrogen atoms, it becomes NAD+ again, and the cycle continues. NAD IV therapy is performed by an accredited functional medicine provider and an IV therapist. Before intravenous therapy is provided, the practitioner will first determine if NAD IV therapy is suitable for a particular patient. For instance, at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, they offer NAD IV therapies and new patients are welcome. NAD IV therapy may also be used for helping support the management of substance dependency, such as excessive alcohol drinking and other kinds of substance abuse. Various health issues may result from substance abuse, including the deterioration of mental health, depression, anxiety, liver disease, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and oxidative stress. When using NAD IV therapy, an important benefit is that it may help enhance nutrient absorption. When paired with a medical detox treatment, regular meetings with a therapist or counselor, a support group, and a functional medicine nutritional program, NAD IV therapy may help reduce withdrawal symptoms. NAD may also help in the maintenance of immunological function and healthy cells. It may promote cell health replenishment, cellular energy production, and chemical processes, including the conversion of nutrients into energy for metabolism, aiding in DNA repair, and improving cellular resiliency. NAD is important because it is needed for the proper functioning of cells. Unfortunately, as people become older, their levels of NAD begin to decline, which can result into sarcopenia, cognitive decline, mitochondrial malfunction, metabolic disorders, and possibly a decreased ability to conceive. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, patients will need to undergo certain steps to get NAD IV therapy. The first step is the initial NAD consultation with an naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, and or Medical Doctor , which may include some blood tests to determine what the patient is deficient in. After the test results have been analyzed, the functional medicine practitioners can personalize the particular IV slow drip bag for each particular patient. And on the first day of IV therapy drip, a compounded NAD drip is tailor-fitted using fresh ingredients. And finally, the patient can sit back and relax while allowing the absorption of nutrients into the body. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre utilizes an integrative functional medicine strategy, where they combine functional medicine methods with restorative medicine, such as herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Eastern medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement, allopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine , and more. They apply integrative functional medicine therapies for a variety of health problems, such as: acute health issues, neuropathic pain, postmenopausal health issues, hormone imbalances, and more. The medical issues that they may help with include: chronic fatigue, tissue repair, cellular damage, DNA repair, athletic recovery, mineral deficiencies, thyroid conditions, infertility, immune function, adrenal function, skin rejuvenation, and others. This private practice clinic in Toronto always uses a patient-centered strategy to wellness and their functional medicine programs may be applied for both acute and chronic care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw8T6Aoc1JI People who are interested in learning more about the functional medicine services offered, such as the use of NAD therapy for helping support the management of substance dependency, promote cellular energy production,cognitive and mitochondrial function can visit the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website, or contact them through the telephone or via email. They are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/53691-toronto-functional-medicine-centre-explains-why-the-various-types-of-nad-therapy-are-different Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook What if a functional medicine Toronto provider suggested ways to “change” your brain to address cognitive issues? It used to be thought that after a person grew out of adolescence, the brain was developmentally complete. And if a damage occurred during the adult years, it was deemed to last “forever”. But studies have insinuated the opposite! Scientific evidence has shown that improving neuroplasticity could help the brain’s “malleability” in adapting to stressors, such as behavioral and environmental factors. “A growing number of research publications have illustrated the remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize itself in response to various sensory experiences,” confirms Frontiers in Psychology. So how do we improve our brain’s plasticity for optimal wellness? Here, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre discusses how it works and ways to improve it. Understanding Neuroplasticity: The Functional Medicine Approach It is described by StatPearls as, “….the ability of the nervous system to change its activity [growth and reorganization] in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or synaptic connections…” These new connections happen due to incoming new “information”, such as sensory stimuli, dysfunction and development. So it is actually how the brain can “rewire” itself to function distinctly from past functions. With that said, how can we encourage our brain to adapt to something like learning a new job skill or recalling facts? Read the next section for ways you can do it at home:
Brain Care: Why is it Individualistic and “Ongoing”? Keep in mind that uniqueness matters: “Just as individual differences contribute to variability observed in brain structure and function, mechanisms of neuroplasticity also show significant variability across individuals,” explains an article from Frontiers in Psychology. Everyone’s condition is distinctive, which means each person is different; if you have damaging lifestyle factors or poor health conditions, this could affect it. Here’s a quick demo: if you’ve smoked cigarettes for four decades, rarely exercise, and eat junk food on an ongoing basis, your neuroplasticity may not be as malleable as the non-smoker who eats healthy and exercises regularly. At our clinic, we can customize your health care with integrative and functional medicine. We’re now accepting new patients who are empowered to reach optimal wellness such as those who want to learn about our functional medicine approach to brain health, including you! About Functional Medicine and Our Private Practice All patients at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre have access to a wide range of therapies, including IV therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathic medicine, allopathic medicine/Western medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapies, and acupuncture. When functional medicine and IV therapy is combined, our clinic is able to provide patients with comprehensive care. There is significant scientific evidence for functional medicine, both in terms of its efficacy and safety. Functional medicine is a system of medicine that is based on the principle that the body is a whole system, and that each part of the body interacts with every other part. This means that when one part of the body is not functioning properly, it could have an impact on the rest of the body. Keep in mind that functional medicine addresses a person’s uniqueness. So the goals of functional medicine may vary depending on the individual patient’s unique health situation. But generally speaking, the goals of functional medicine are to identify and address the root causes of disease, to promote optimal health and well-being, and to prevent disease and illness. There are four key principles behind functional medicine: 1. The patient is a whole person, not a collection of symptoms. 2. The root cause of disease must be found and treated; treatment should not only relate to symptoms. 3. The body has an innate ability to heal itself, and the role of the practitioner is to facilitate this process. 4. The approaches in treatment must be individualized, taking into account the unique circumstances and needs of the patient. Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the triggers of disease conditions. By taking a comprehensive and individualized approach to healthcare, functional medicine practitioners are able to provide patients with customized care for patients; this can address the underlying causes of their health conditions. Functional medicine practitioners use a variety of tools to assess each patient’s unique situation and to assist with identifying the root cause of their disease. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre takes pride in our integrative approach to health and clinical care for patients. Our virtual and in-person consultations can help address chronic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, abdominal pain, digestive issues, and other health concerns. Our collaborative approach to wellness encourages patients and practitioners to join forces to create treatment plans. How can we inspire you to reach new cognitive heights? Functional medicine from our Toronto clinic could provide a personalized approach to your memory and concentration. Click here to contact us today. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References: Camandola S, Plick N, Mattson MP. Impact of Coffee and Cacao Purine Metabolites on Neuroplasticity and Neurodegenerative Disease. Neurochem Res. 2019 Jan;44(1):214-227. doi: 10.1007/s11064-018-2492-0. Epub 2018 Feb 8. PMID: 29417473; PMCID: PMC6082740. Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology. 1991 Mar;29(3):103-107. PMID: 2071257. Drago, F., Mauceri, F., Nardo, L., Valerio, C., Lauria, N., Rampello, L., & Guidi, G. (1992). Behavioral effects of L-!a-glycerylphosphorylcholine: Influence on cognitive mechanisms in the rat. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 41(2), 445–448. https://ift.tt/J2rdH1I Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2015 Apr 21;7:52. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052. PMID: 25954194; PMCID: PMC4404917. Hortobágyi, T., Granacher, U., Fernandez-del-Olmo, M., Howatson, G., Manca, A., Deriu, F., Taube, W., Gruber, M., Márquez, G., Lundbye-Jensen, J., & Colomer-Poveda, D. (2021). Functional relevance of resistance training-induced neuroplasticity in health and disease. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 122, 79-91. https://ift.tt/0V49eMW Kidd, Parris M.. “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic 10 4 (2005): 268-93 . Mattson, M. P., Moehl, K., Ghena, N., Schmaedick, M., & Cheng, A. (2018). Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(2), 81–94. https://ift.tt/jhnU7YJ “Neuroplasticity: How to Use Your Brain’s Malleability to Improve Your Well-being” by Megan Call for the University of Utah, posted August 8, 2019, viewed on July 15, 2022. Puderbaugh M, Emmady PD. Neuroplasticity. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://ift.tt/VBRLP9e Son JS, Choi S, Kim K, et al. Association of Blood Pressure Classification in Korean Young Adults According to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines With Subsequent Cardiovascular Disease Events. JAMA. 2018;320(17):1783–1792. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.16501 Voss P, Thomas ME, Cisneros-Franco JM, de Villers-Sidani É. Dynamic Brains and the Changing Rules of Neuroplasticity: Implications for Learning and Recovery. Front Psychol. 2017 Oct 4;8:1657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01657. PMID: 29085312; PMCID: PMC5649212. “What is neuroplasticity?” by Kendra Cherry, medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN for VeryWell Mind, viewed on July 16, 2022. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Explains the Benefits of Functional Medicine for Thyroid Health8/17/2022
Toronto, Ontario -
Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has recently published a blog post that explains the benefits of Toronto functional medicine integrative health care approach for thyroid health. The thyroid is an important gland found below the voice box and it has a significant impact on the hormonal health of both men and women. The hormones released by the thyroid play an important role in regulating many bodily functions, such as breathing, cholesterol levels, the rate of the heartbeat, and even menstruation, and more. Too much thyroid hormones may result into various kinds of discomforts, such as digestive problems, dry skin, extreme fatigue, mood swings, decrease or increase of sweating, hair loss, and more. It is also important to note that mental depression and thyroid dysfunction are considered to be interlinked because depression has been noted when there is an imbalance in thyroid hormones. Those who are struggling with depression are advised to find a patient-centered care clinic that will take into account both the patient’s physical health and mental health when helping with the management of depression. A functional medicine doctor will recommend a number of thyroid-related blood tests as a way to check if there are any indications of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) is a group of conditions that have to do with thyroid health, including hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Some of these conditions are Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease, which progressively attacks the thyroid cells that make hormones, causes hypothyroidism that could lead to weight gain, muscle aches, fatigue, slow movements, depression, and weakness; and Graves’ disease where hyperthyroidism causes side effects, including bulging eyes, fatigue, vision loss, and unexplained weight loss. It has also been observed that certain autoimmune diseases are related to thyroid dysfunction. For instance, studies have found that those who have fibromyalgia often have hypothyroidism. A Toronto functional medicine practitioner will suggest some lab testing to find out if there is thyroid dysfunction and whether the thyroid is over-active or under-active. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, they provide comprehensive clinical care for patients, which may include a full thyroid panel test. Unlike conventional tests, their thyroid panel will measure a number of thyroid components, such as T3, T4, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), thyroid peroxidase, thyroid antibodies, and other thyroid factors. And after analyzing the test results, they will recommend a custom-fitted approach to help manage thyroid dysfunction. Some of the possible thyroid care approaches include probiotics, dietary supplements, and bio-identical thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Probiotics may help because there is a connection between the thyroid and gut health. Nutraceuticals may also be recommended, such as selenium supplementation. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation in Graves disease may result in efficient remission of hyperthyroidism. Bio-identical thyroid hormone replacement therapy may help with the regulation of metabolism and energy levels. And lastly, The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre provides integrative and functional medicine programs that may also help with thyroid dysfunction. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre utilizes an integrative functional medicine strategy, where they combine functional medicine methods with restorative medicine, such as herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Eastern medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement, allopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine , and more. They apply integrative functional medicine therapies for a variety of health problems, such as: acute health issues, neuropathic pain, postmenopausal health issues, hormone imbalances, and more. The medical issues that they may help with include: chronic fatigue, tissue repair, cellular damage, DNA repair, athletic recovery, mineral deficiencies, thyroid conditions, infertility, immune function, adrenal function, skin rejuvenation, and others. This private practice clinic in Toronto always uses a patient-centered strategy to wellness and their functional medicine programs may be applied for both acute and chronic care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfyJWlO_iBs People who are interested in getting more details about the treatment services provided, such as the use of functional medicine therapies for depression, can go to the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website, or contact them through the phone - (416) 968-6961 or via email - [email protected]. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/53369-toronto-functional-medicine-centre-explains-the-benefits-of-functional-medicine-for-thyroid-health Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook Did you know that IV therapy from our Toronto clinic has the potential to help alleviate anxiety? When combined with lifestyle modifications and nutraceuticals, IV therapy could play a role in mental health support. The cause of a mental health concern isn’t always simple. Some patients undergo years of therapy to figure out the root of their mental health issues; they’ll even try various treatments without knowing the trigger behind something like major depression. Now did you know that heavy metal exposure could contribute to poor mental, cognitive and neurological health? Indeed, this factor might play a role in a brain- or mood-related treatment plan! If your health goals include refreshing your outlook on life, this article provides some insight on how heavy metal toxicity could be considered as a possible cause for suffering from mental illness. We discuss the link between heavy metal toxicities and mental health, treatments, and how to reach the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre for assistance. The connection between heavy metals and mental health Excessive exposures to metals like lead or mercury can cause chronic illness and acute health issues in the human body, including thyroid conditions. Scientists are recognizing the fact that metals could also contribute to mental health conditions. In one study from Spain, “Among adults, exposure to lead (Pb) has been associated with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, reduced cognitive and response capacity, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and, although not as consistently, with Alzheimer’s disease,” states a 2019 article from Environmental Research. Heavy metals affect your cognition and mental health condition by impeding brain cell health and functioning. Excessive levels of lead, for instance, could impact cellular functioning and hinder dopamine and serotonin levels. Meanwhile, mercury exposure could increase oxidative stress in the brain, which could distort neurotransmission. Excessive exposure to cadmium is another example of metal affecting brain health. One particular study that measured cadmium in patients was conducted on those already diagnosed with schizophrenia. In this study, it was shown that: “… lead and cadmium cause lesions including decrease in total cortical volume, white matter, enlargement of cerebroventricular system, changes in gray and white matter and abnormal laminar organization,” explains a piece from the North American Journal of Medical Sciences. Treatments that target mental health and heavy metal exposure So how do we find out how much heavy metal toxicities are in the body? And how do we remove these toxins with treatments? Functional medicine programs and therapies could promote detoxification and heavy metal removal. For example, during your initial consultation/complete diagnostic session at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we may recommend a heavy metal/urine toxic element clearance profile. Then based on these lab test results, our functional medicine providers would determine a treatment that could eliminate heavy metals; this treatment could also help with supporting mental health concerns caused by heavy metal toxicity. Some of the treatments our clinic uses for alleviating heavy metal toxicities and for supporting the body and mind include:
Take note: Other key vitamins and key antioxidants may also be recommended for their beneficial effects and for alleviating heavy metals toxicity-related symptoms. If you think you’ve been exposed to metals and you’re experiencing unexplained depression and anxiety, please consider talking to us. A toxic metals urine test from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre could reveal new details about your wellness and contribute to optimal functioning. Contact our clinic for functional medicine and IV therapy assessments The process of recovery from heavy metal toxicities can be a journey – so let’s find a way to personalize your treatment plan to reach optimal health. Our functional medicine providers support integrative medicine, so that you can consider different treatments, such as: acupuncture, allopathic medicine, herbal medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and naturopathy. Our personalized service of functional medicine treatments can be applied to different health issues, including immune function, chronic pain, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, cellular damage, mineral deficiencies, and substance withdrawal symptoms. If you’d like to learn how adjunct intravenous therapy could be combined with lifestyle modifications and nutraceuticals, don’t hesitate to ask! Combining these therapies could support your overall wellness. Our freshly compounded vitamin drip treatments may include essential vitamins and beneficial ingredients, such as high-dose vitamin C, vitamin A, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), B vitamins such as Biotin, a medley of amino acids, or major antioxidants. Each vitamin drip therapy is crafted with your energy levels, cellular function and health requirements in mind. How can our clinic support your mind and body, while encouraging healthy detoxification? Let’s begin by customizing your treatment plan! Contact us at (416) 968-6961 to learn about our integrative approach and IV therapy in Toronto. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. References: Arena JM, Drew RN. Toxicology-Symptoms-Treatment, Fifth Edition. 3rd Ed. Charles C. Thomas-Publisher, Springfield Il, 1986; & Merritt’s Textbook of Neurology. 9th Ed., Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore & Clinical Management of Poisoning; 1995. Poisoning 1995; p. 753. Ayuso-Álvarez A, Simón L, Nuñez O, et al. Association between heavy metals and metalloids in topsoil and mental health in the adult population of Spain. Environmental Research. 2019 Dec;179(Pt A):108784. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108784. PMID: 31606614. Mfem CC, Seriki SA, Oyama SE. Effects of Heavy Metal Toxicity on Anxiety Disorder. J Biomed Res Environ Sci. 2021 Aug 13; 2(8): 660-668. doi: 10.37871/jbres1294, Article ID: JBRES1294, Available at: https://ift.tt/G4wPL8p Orisakwe OE. The role of lead and cadmium in psychiatry. N Am J Med Sci. 2014 Aug;6(8):370-6. doi: 10.4103/1947-2714.139283. PMID: 25210669; PMCID: PMC4158644. Rao TS, Asha MR, Ramesh BN, Rao KS. Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian J Psychiatry. 2008 Apr;50(2):77-82. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.42391. PMID: 19742217; PMCID: PMC2738337. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ If you become a new patient of IV therapy at our Toronto clinic, biotin might be discussed at your initial consultation. You’ve likely seen biotin supplements marketed for strengthening hair and nails. If you’re already deficient in biotin, then biotin supplements could assist with supporting nail and hair health – but this nutrient also has other amazing roles in the human body, which could help us achieve optimal health. As one of the B vitamins, biotin is needed for converting food into energy and supports enzymes that metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also contributes to regulating cell health and cellular function. Biotin is a cofactor for five enzymes called carboxylases. The mitochondria in our cells holds four of the carboxylases and one is found in cellular cytoplasm. In this blog post, we discuss how biotin supplementation has the potential to support your wellness. Also, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre explains how IV vitamin therapies could help with upgrading biotin levels. What Biotin Does and How It Works in the Body Biotin may also be called vitamin H or vitamin B7. Because it’s water soluble, your body cannot supply it on its own; rather, it must be absorbed from food or supplements. Increasing your biotin levels could provide beneficial effects to your health condition:
As per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a biotin nutritional deficiency is scarce because biotin can be consumed from a varied diet. But the Harvard school reports, “Alcoholism can increase the risk of biotin deficiency and many other nutrients as alcohol can block their absorption, and also because alcohol abuse is generally associated with a poor dietary intake.” Additionally, patients who are prescribed antiepileptics (i.e. carbamazepine) for their health condition are at risk of a biotin deficiency due to nutritional absorption issues. Thus, these patients are urged to consider taking biotin supplements to maintain their wellness. If you’re considering to improve your nutritional absorption with IV therapy, you can schedule a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. How to Increase Your Biotin Uptake If you think your health goals could be accomplished with biotin, you can start increasing it at home. Here’s how:
Do you want to customize your treatment plan with biotin and other key vitamins (i.e. vitamin B complex or folic acid)? Our IV Lounge is currently accepting new patients who are interested in the adjunctive support of vitamin drip treatments. How to reach us for functional medicine treatments The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is proficient in customizing treatments for nutrient deficiency symptom relief. We provide a personalized service to patients by determining the root cause of their specific health concern. Some of the conditions our functional medicine treatments can target include thyroid conditions, substance withdrawal symptoms, adrenal fatigue, DNA damage, acute health issues (i.e. acute pain), depression, chronic illness (chronic fatigue syndrome), and other issues. Our IV treatments are designed to boost energy levels and cellular functioning. Freshly compounded intravenous therapy drips are available with additional B vitamins, high-dose vitamin C to support general wellness and immune function, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), or a medley of amino acids for energy. You’re welcome to request a drip with a combination of ingredients! Are your current biotin levels enough to achieve optimal functioning? Let’s find out. Call 416-968-6961 to book your free DISCOVERY SESSION on IV therapy at our Toronto location. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. References: “Biotin – Vitamin B7” from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, viewed on July 17, 2022. Janos Zempleni, DonaldM Mock, Biotin biochemistry and human requirements, The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Volume 10, Issue 3, 1999, Pages 128-138, ISSN 0955-2863, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0955-2863(98)00095-3. Said HM. Cell and molecular aspects of human intestinal biotin absorption. J Nutr. 2009 Jan;139(1):158-62. doi: 10.3945/jn.108.092023. Epub 2008 Dec 3. PMID: 19056639; PMCID: PMC2646215. Saleem F, Soos MP. Biotin Deficiency. [Updated 2022 Mar 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://ift.tt/q5FY96L Shari R. Lipner, Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders, Volume 5839, Issue 6, 06/2018, Pages A1-A60, ISSN 0190-9622, https://ift.tt/5PEeoJS (https://ift.tt/0Uh95mW) Valdés-Ramos R, Guadarrama-López AL, Martínez-Carrillo BE, Benítez-Arciniega AD. Vitamins and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2015;15(1):54-63. doi: 10.2174/1871530314666141111103217. PMID: 25388747; PMCID: PMC4435229. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/
Toronto, Ontario -
Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has recently released a blog post that explains how functional medicine for thyroid toxicity may help reduce depression and in enhancing mental wellness. This is because the thyroid hormones have an effect on various biological functions, including the regulation of metabolism, promoting reproduction, and other functions. If the thyroid is damaged and either releases too many or too few hormones, this could result in a body imbalance that may result in symptoms like unexplained weight loss or weight gain, memory loss, extreme fatigue, and infertility. Depression may be related to thyroid problems because it tends to be linked to an imbalance in thyroid hormones. People suffering from mental depression will need to choose a patient-centered care clinic that considers both the patient’s mental and physical health when helping with the management of depression. A functional medicine doctor will take a look at the thyroid-related blood tests to see if there are any signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that has several functions. The hypothalamus produces the thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to be produced by the pituitary gland. TSH will then help in the secretion of two thyroid-related hormones, which are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 work together in controlling metabolism, heart function, body temperature, and other bodily functions. According to a paper published in the Journal of Thyroid Research, patients with thyroid issues tend to be more at risk of developing depressive symptoms and conversely, depression may be accompanied by a number of subtle abnormalities in the thyroid. Specifically, people with depression may have a faulty hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes. One study has observed that outpatients suffering from major depression had marginally excessive levels of TSH. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, their healthcare providers take into account the patient’s individuality (lifestyle factors, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, etc.) and physiology to find a way to help manage depression. Functional medicine lab tests are also part of their strategy for wellness, so they would recommend a thyroid panel to check if thyroid hormones are at the proper levels. Based on these lab tests, they will then develop a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on both thyroid and depression with an integrative functional medicine treatment plan. They want to point out that their private practice is currently accepting new patients to provide them with access to both allopathic treatments and naturopathic treatment methods, including functional medicine testing. They will consider each patient as a unique entity and utilize a personalized approach. This enables them to apply their clinical experience to help address health issues, including brain function, oxidative stress, hormonal health, chronic symptoms, and postmenopausal health. Their customized treatment plans may include various modalities, such as bio-identical hormone therapy for hormone imbalances, Traditional Chinese Medicine, intravenous therapy, naturopathic medicine, and Western medicine. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre employs a restorative functional medicine approach, where they integrate allopathic medicine methods with naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Eastern medicine, herbal medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement, and more. They use both functional medicine and restorative therapies for a range of health issues, such as: acute health issues, neuropathic pain, postmenopausal health issues, hormone imbalances, and more. The health conditions that they may assist with include: cellular damage, chronic fatigue, tissue repair, mineral deficiencies, DNA repair, athletic recovery, immune function, thyroid conditions, infertility, skin rejuvenation, adrenal function, and others. This private Toronto clinic always applies a patient-centered approach to wellness and their functional medicine programs may be utilized for both chronic and acute care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWp0q0K4LF8 People who are interested about the treatment services provided, such as the possible use of functional medicine therapies for thyroid issues and depression, can check out the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website, or contact them on the phone at (416) 968-6961 or through email at [email protected]. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/53368-toronto-functional-medicine-centre-explains-how-functional-medicine-therapies-for-thyroid-issues-may Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook |
AuthorToronto Functional Medicine Centre is dedicated to helping each patient shift towards balanced, wholesome wellness. Whether your aim is to relieve pain, boost energy levels, or infuse vitality into your life, we welcome new patients with an array of health goals. Our team believes in working alongside each patient, which allows us to assess the services that may fit individual needs. We are proud to offer several therapies in one location. Each one of our practitioners has a passion for integrative functional medicine healing. Archives
May 2023
Categories |